Running News Daily

Rachel was told she would never walk again nine years ago, now is running the London Marathon

Rachel Farrant was told she might never walk again after a major stroke at the age of 18, now she is going to run the London Marathon. Rachel collapsed nine years ago, just two weeks after starting university, and suffered a stroke after treatment for a blood clot on her lungs. The runner woke up unable to see, walk or feed herself and had severe memory loss - but has since made a full recovery. When Rachel tightens her shoes and races through her local park, the sense of freedom lifts her. “I really like nature - the trees, the horses,” she says. “I’m running through the woods and it’s all enclosed, and then suddenly I come out into this wide open space and I feel like I’m flying. It’s the best.” The 27-year-old is a big believer in the mental health benefits of running. “It’s fantastic because you can just do it anytime. You can go out and clear your mind,” she says. (04/19/2018) Views: 1,616 ⚡AMP